P.A. Brown

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

Born in Yorkshire, England, I had a full-on interest from a very young age in nature. I was fascinated by how things moved, though particularly in exotic mammals like lesser well known members of the big cat family. The Black Panther became my long-time favourite. I was introverted as a child growing up but have become very much the opposite — even happy addressing quite large audiences. My hobbies include growing organic fruit and veg in my back garden; photography; building in stone and avoiding processed food! (OK, not exactly a hobby, that last one, but feels like one as it keeps one busy!)

When and why did you start writing books?

After high school and during uni, I began travelling to out-of-the-way places Oddly, perhaps, I developed a curious interest in stonework, especially that on a large scale. These things caused me to write copious notes while travelling and observing, which later, much later, became the stimulus to write books. One observation I made is that our memories leave out so many of the small details. For that reason, I found myself grateful to have made those notes when I started writing my non-fiction books.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

Writing Oh Yeah! Sure! and 10 INDELIBLES has had a cathartic effect on me. Keeping such strange happenings locked in my head, in some cases for decades, is one thing. Sharing them in these books with strangers leads to interesting feedback and a pleasant feeling that others have open-enough minds to see that there are still many things about us that remain to be discovered.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Alexander Selkirk, part of my book "10 Indelibles", will always figure in my mind as a personal hero. Inspiring "Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel Defoe, Selkirk's story reveals much about human nature and extraordinary capabilities that come to the fore when under duress.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

My first book — "OH YEAH! SURE! 5 SLIGHTLY SCARY STORIES" was the hardest to write because I wasn't sure about my writing style while also doing all the formatting, illustrations, cover design etc. While still happy with the results, even with the cover, I have graduated to using writing software and having my covers done by graphic artists. Even so, my Puzzle Book cover I also did myself and remain pleased with it!

Who is your favourite author and book?

I don't have a favourite author and book. I don't read fiction because time and again I have found "truth is stranger than fiction" and therefore far more interesting! I have an eclectic appetite for anything unusual, different.

What book are you reading right now?

Forbidden Archeology: The Hidden History of the Human Race by Michael A. Cremo and Richard L. Thompson

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

For me this is very easy to answer. My inspiration comes from people I have met and places I've travelled.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my spare time I enjoy growing organic fruit and vegetables in my back garden. I spend a lot of time researching unexplained archeological findings as well as new medical findings. I have been a vegetarian for all my adult life, though not a strict one, having eggs and small fish (Why small? Less mercury!)

Do you have any new books in the works?

I am currently working on 2 new books. One is an autobiography/memoir and the other is about unusual though historically fascinating travel destinations off the beaten track. I am also gathering data for a book about medical procedure catastrophes.